Guru & Associates Productions

PRESENTS

Featuring

DIRECTOR

Vardhan V Kamat

DOP / EDITOR

MUSIC

Pruthu Parab

SOUND DESIGN

Alok Kotian

DI COLORIST

Srikanth Kabothu

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Sangramsinh Gaikwad

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

Shantaram Prabhu

Gaurav Gokhale

A glimpse into our film's evocative moments.

PHILOSOPHY

The film explores the complexities of identity, rejection, and the pursuit of recognition.

Umesh, a forgotten village talent, navigates a world that once celebrated him, only to cast him aside.

As two filmmakers, Anton and Rohan, uncover the truth about his past, they reflect the struggle of many who seek validation and purpose in a society quick to dismiss them.

Through their journey, the film explores themes of human connection, the impact of societal judgment, and the quiet resilience of an individual who chooses to find peace on his own terms.

The film explores the complexities of identity, rejection, and the pursuit of recognition.

Umesh, a forgotten village talent, navigates a world that once celebrated him, only to cast him aside.

PLOT

Umesh, a simple man living in a rural village, is seen as eccentric by the locals. Two filmmakers, Anton and Rohan, decide to make a film about him, unaware of his troubled past. As they uncover his story, Umesh grapples with trust and human connections, ultimately finding a quiet resolution.

SYNOPSIS

Once a local hero, Umesh now lives a reclusive life in a rural Goan village, surviving on odd jobs and haunted by an unspoken past. His only constant is the tea stall he can no longer afford. When two aspiring filmmakers, Anton and Rohan, arrive, they are drawn to his enigmatic nature, hoping to capture his story.

But as they begin to uncover the truth, they encounter a wall of local rumour and suspicion. Their persistent investigation reveals not a failure, but a forgotten talent and a deep-seated reason for Umesh's isolation. A fragile trust begins to form between the filmmakers and their subject, but as the camera gets closer, Umesh's wariness grows. What is he truly hiding? And what happens when a story you're trying to tell becomes a truth you can't control? Umesh is a poignant and layered exploration of trust, identity, and the price of a forgotten legacy.

Running Time: 95 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Language: Konkani
Subtitles: English

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

The journey of Umesh began not in a studio but in the heart of a shared dream. With a friend, over countless cups of tea, we spoke of making a mark on the stage and screen. From these humble beginnings, an idea sparked: to craft a regional film that was both simple in its budget and profound in its story.

This journey taught me that great cinema isn't defined by its budget, but by the conviction of its creators. With a limited crew and unwavering faith, we embraced a collaborative, guerrilla filmmaking spirit. Umesh is a testament to what a small team can achieve with immense passion. It is a story of a man grappling with his past and identity, but it is also a reflection of every filmmaker’s struggle to bring their vision to life, against all odds.

I invite you to experience this work-in-progress, a raw and honest glimpse into our journey.

PRODUCER

Gurunath Patade is a tax and financial advisor and the founder of a sports academy in Goa, where his mission is to develop world-class talent. It was this same passion for nurturing potential that led him to produce Umesh, his debut Konkani feature film. The story resonated with him so deeply that he knew he had to be a part of it, even without prior production experience. This film is a testament to the power of a dedicated team and shared vision.

CINEMATOGRAPHER

Gaurav Gokhale is a versatile filmmaker, working as a director, editor and cinematographer with experience in Indian and European films. A graduate of Prague Film School in cinematography and screenwriting, he has contributed to several indie and art house projects including 'The Road To Kuthriyar'. He has worked in both commercial and indie worlds, and is credited as a cinematographer for 'Chandrashekhar' on Hotstar.

WRITER / DIRECTOR

Vardhan brings more than 20 years of experience as a theatre actor to his feature film debut, Umesh. His directorial approach is informed by a deep-seated passion for honest, character-driven storytelling, an ethos forged in the crucible of village theatre and one-act competitions. For him, the stage was a school of patience and dedication, pursued not for a career, but for the relentless challenge of perfecting his craft. This foundation is evident in his cinematic work, which prioritises performance and authentic human emotion.

PROCESS OF THE FILM

When the final draft of Umesh was ready, the real challenge began—bringing the vision to life with limited resources and budget. The most important task was to build the right team. With a small crew and many members new to filmmaking, we leaned on the dedication and passion of each individual. Slowly, the team came together, with every member believing in the project’s potential.

Our process began with careful delegation of responsibilities and extensive location scouting to find places that would keep logistics manageable. Given the tight budget, we focused on making the most of what we had, balancing between creativity and practicality.

The script was intentionally simple, with basic dialogues. We relied heavily on the improvisational skills of our talented actors to bring the scenes to life, allowing them to contribute their unique energy and perspective. Casting was also based on improvisation, where actors were given situations to react to, showcasing their natural abilities.

Throughout the process, our small but dedicated core team handled everything from direction to production, often stepping into multiple roles. This collaborative spirit, combined with a deep belief in the story and each other, made Umesh possible. It is a film born from passion, trust, and the love for art, despite the odds.

C O N N E C T

Gurunath Patade

(+91) 93705 67036

Vardhan V. Kamat

(+91) 86685 37701

gurunathpatadegoa@gmail.com

kamatvardhan@gmail.com

Reach out to discuss collaborations or share your thoughts on Umesh.